Steven Norris, the Government's cycling czar, has angered safety campaigners by saying it is "potty" for adults to have to wear helmets and claiming he never wears one - despite being caught in the act.

Mr Norris, chairman of the National Cycling Strategy Board, said helmets were for children and he had a right not to look like a "Martian".

His comments are at odds with safety advice on the NCSB website and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents criticised him for not setting a "better example".

The former Conservative transport minister made his remarks to a BBC reporter in York, where five times as many people cycle to work compared with other parts of Britain.

Mr Norris said: "I never wear a helmet for the same reason I never wear Lycra. The idea you have to dress up like a bloody spaceman to ride a bike is just completely potty. [Cycling is] something normal, fat, middle-aged men like me do. If you are a child you wear a helmet. My four-year-old does. I don't. I am not some kind of Martian."

RoSPA spokesman Rodger Vincent said: "To have someone who is supposed to have influence saying this is counter-productive. [He should] set a good example to cyclists rather than treating them in this cavalier fashion."

But Peter Lewis, from the London Cycling Campaign, said: "I agree with Steven Norris. There's conflicting evidence about whether wearing a helmet is good for you or not."

Mr Norris could not be contacted for comment but a NCSB spokesman said: "If Mr Norris says he doesn't wear a helmet, that's fine by us."